Lawmakers introduced 17 bills on the topic this year. At least 35 representatives and senators are sponsors or co-sponsors — or more than 20 percent of the Legislature. And a few months ago, Gov. Charlie Crist announced his support. "Florida is ready to say we are no longer going to tolerate this irresponsible activity," said state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, one of the early proponents who saw his legislation collect dust for the previous two years. "This year is a different year."

All this led to a breakthrough Tuesday: the promise of a House workshop on the various bills, scheduled for next week. Read more here.

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For Florida political news today, the Buzz is your can't-miss-it source. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Florida politics, the Florida Legislature and the Rick Scott administration. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.